When that magical time of month rolls around, it brings with it the special gift of really tender, sensitive boobies, to the point where I get knee-jerk teary eyed if they get bumped. Sadly, this gift has a shitty return policy and it looks like I am stuck with it for the duration.

I've scoped out the internet and medical professionals, and have gotten some suggestions that have had limited success:

Bananas, or other potassium supplements

Birth control pills

More water, and more water

Decreased sugar and salt intake

OTC pain meds, like Midol

But I've found the thing that works the best (and this is why I'm bringing it up here!) is having someone suck on my nipples, while massaging the breast tissue. Super-duper effective, but not something you can just buzz over to the convenience store to pick up. Well, I suppose I could, but I already have one unreturnable item, not necessarily looking for more. Especially if it doesn't fold away conveniently under the bed.

Does anyone else have a similar issue - and hopefully a sure fire cure? I didn't find my solution in any of the more conservative places, but I figured that if there was an unconventional solution, someone from Lit might know it!

But I've found the thing that works the best (and this is why I'm bringing it up here!) is having someone suck on my nipples, while massaging the breast tissue.

There are few physical pains that can't be dealt with a bit of tender, loving care. Being a master of massage, I know from experience what a little TLC can do for breast pain and general fatigue. I do hope you have a caretaker for your needs, if not, my heart goes out to you.

__________________
Boobies are like toy trains ... They are meant for kids but big boys like playing with them too!

It's no guaranteed cure (I don't think there is one, since we all have different body chemistries), but cutting caffeine down or out of your diet can help. I know how tough that is, especially when PMS cravings and fatigue set in, but it's worth a try. I became much more sensitive to caffeine with pregnancy and breastfeeding, and since I've cut my intake way down, a lot of things have improved, breast tenderness included.

Also, are you taking a Cal/Mag/Zinc supplement? If not, that's worth a shot for your tenderness and overall health.

If you know the massage/sucking combo works for you, but you don't have a partner, you could try heat + self-massage + nipple stimulation. There are several simple things that can mimic the sucking action, like a snake bite kit (or any appropriately-sized flexible tube that has one closed end), a hand-powered/manual breast pump, certain sex toys. Before you rush out and buy anything, you might see if other types of nipple stimulation are effective for you, e.g. try [gentle-at-first] stimulation from a vibrator, different touches with your fingers, etc.

__________________Mmm...sex and chocolate!
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Quote:

Originally Posted by SweetErika

It's no guaranteed cure (I don't think there is one, since we all have different body chemistries), but cutting caffeine down or out of your diet can help.
Also,,, a hand-powered/manual breast pump

You hand me with everything (especially the caffeine) until the breast pump. Many hand pumps are known to cause damage to breast tissue. I would caution anyone against using a pump without seeking advice from a lactation specialist. I've had to help women through some pretty nasty injuries.

Quote:

Originally Posted by logix

i'm not into natural remedies and other pseudo science but i recall someone saying that wrapping them in cabbage helps. i'd think they mean raw cabbage.

They DO mean raw cabbage. If you break the cabbage (much like you would muddle your basil in your vodka), you release an enzyme that will reduce inflammation. Use fresh, green cabbage, remove the rib, place the leaves over the breast until wilted.

Also, you might consider vitamin B6 a couple of weeks prior to your girly time. It will increase progesterone and serotonin to help with PMS symptoms. Use a low dose, Go off of the remedy when into your period and resume again a couple of weeks before the next one.

__________________
I don't swallow. I let it run down my chin in a cheap attempt to look kinky.

*Caffeine
*Cal/Mag/Zinc supplement
*If you know the massage/sucking combo works for you, but you don't have a partner, you could try heat + self-massage + nipple stimulation. There are several simple things that can mimic the sucking action, like a snake bite kit (or any appropriately-sized flexible tube that has one closed end), a hand-powered/manual breast pump, certain sex toys. Before you rush out and buy anything, you might see if other types of nipple stimulation are effective for you, e.g. try [gentle-at-first] stimulation from a vibrator, different touches with your fingers, etc.

See, now this is why I asked Lit. I guarantee that I wouldn't have heard "snake bite kit" anywhere else. I wasn't really looking at caffeine as a culprit, because I don't drink coffee/tea, but maybe I need to try cutting out chocolate too. I do take a CMZ supplement - it helps with cramping. I didn't think of it being effective for this too!

Quote:

Originally Posted by greeneyedvirgin

Try taking Vitamin D. Ever since my Dr. prescribed me 4000 iu a day, I no longer have breast tenderness or cramps for that matter.

I've heard that it helps with a lot of issues, especially in the winter. Vitamin D is the one your skin makes in response to the sun? I live in the Pacific Northwest (rain, rain, rain) so I use a sunlamp and Vitamin D in the winter, but I stopped when the sun started to peek out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by logix

i'm not into natural remedies and other pseudo science but i recall someone saying that wrapping them in cabbage helps. i'd think they mean raw cabbage.
let us know how it works out. especially the smell.

It's definitely not pseudoscience when it comes to stopping lactation, but I'm not sure I'm ready for the full-on salad bar look yet? But I guess a discreet leaf in the bra isn't much to ask for if it works!i

Quote:

Originally Posted by pfflyerhot

Calcium, magnesium and zinc supplements worked for me, and I have a friend who says cutting out caffeine will help, but ... (pardon me)... fuck that... for me, anyway.

It's the chocolate for me. And when? The whole month (ahahahaha!) or just for a few days (possibly doable).

Quote:

Originally Posted by JtohisPB

Raw cabbage leaves definitely helped relieve breast pain for me when I was weaning my daughter but producing so much milk that I became engorged. I have not heard of this being recommended for general, unrelated to lactation, breast concerns. But I'd say it's worth a shot. The relief for me was immediate.

$1.79 at the grocery store right now - if it works, it's definitely worth the price!

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlecordelera

I don't suffer from this too much anymore, but sometimes it would be terrible when I was younger. An ice pack always worked wonders for me.

And perfect for summer. Maybe I can combine this plan with freezies somehow.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GiggLeGasm

You hand me with everything (especially the caffeine) until the breast pump. Many hand pumps are known to cause damage to breast tissue. I would caution anyone against using a pump without seeking advice from a lactation specialist. I've had to help women through some pretty nasty injuries.

They DO mean raw cabbage. If you break the cabbage (much like you would muddle your basil in your vodka), you release an enzyme that will reduce inflammation. Use fresh, green cabbage, remove the rib, place the leaves over the breast until wilted.

Also, you might consider vitamin B6 a couple of weeks prior to your girly time. It will increase progesterone and serotonin to help with PMS symptoms. Use a low dose, Go off of the remedy when into your period and resume again a couple of weeks before the next one.

I sense the presence of a nurse. I've got no plans to try out a breast pump! They are serious business, and I know a few women who have injured themselves. But the cabbage and B6 sound less ouchy.